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Restorative Culture in School unifies students post-election

Heightened emotions, disconnects and unknowns litter communities, schools and families in this post-election atmosphere of the U.S. But in places where
school leaders have been pro-active in developing a restorative culture for their school using trauma-informed care, restorative practices and sharing
supportive resources there has been little disruption. Restorative school climate provides a safe place for students and adults to talk about their
perspectives respectfully.

There is growing evidence that schools that engage tools like restorative practices, trauma-informed care and equity education experience less violence,
suspension and expulsion due to misbehavior. In a 2016 report from Padres & Jovenes Unidos,
a Denver based nonprofit research on three Denver schools expresses the value of developing a restorative school climate. Padres is offering tours
of the schools in the report where demonstrations and conversations help visitors understand what can be.

RJ Directory Member and Principal of Dunston Middle School in Lakewood,
Jen Kirksey has a model restorative school climate. As a contributor to the Colorado Restorative Practices in Schools Guidelines,
the RJ Council’s latest guiding document, Kirksey has shared what helped create this peaceful school atmosphere. You can read more about these supportive
school climates and post-election positivity at the nonprofit publication Chalkbeat.

To learn more about restorative practices in schools and restorative justice visit www.rjcolorado.org. Sign up
for the newsletter and stay informed about restorative justice practices, legislation and events in Colorado.